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The Health Review
Welcome to this week's edition of The Health Review newsletter!
We're diving into a range of topics this week:
Fertility Insights: Dr. Reem Al-Shaikh shares five evidence-based strategies to enhance fertility, covering nutrition, stress management, sleep quality, ovulation tracking, and exercise balance.
Pelvic Floor Health: Our latest podcast episode with Jenny Fielding, a Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, has sparked eye-opening conversations on social media. We tackle taboo topics like urinary frequency, prolapse, and the importance of pelvic floor care at every life stage.
Health News Highlights: Stay informed with our roundup of the latest health stories, including the introduction of 'Friendship Benches' in the UK to support mental health, and other significant developments.
Hope you enjoy!
Emily x
Top Health News
Here’s what’s been trending in the health world:
🧬 New Pill Approved in England & Wales Can Slow Progression of Incurable Breast Cancer
A groundbreaking breast cancer drug, capivasertib (Truqap), has been approved for routine use by the NHS in England and Wales. Developed by AstraZeneca, this twice-daily pill targets hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer with specific genetic mutations. Clinical trials demonstrated that, when combined with hormone therapy fulvestrant, capivasertib extended the time before disease progression from 3.1 to 7.3 months. Experts hail this as a significant advancement in personalised cancer treatment, potentially benefiting up to 3,000 women annually.
🧪 New At-Home Spit Test for Prostate Cancer Could Be Better Than Blood Test, Study Suggests
Researchers have developed a simple at-home saliva test that may outperform the current PSA blood test in assessing prostate cancer risk. The test analyzes 130 genetic variants in a man's DNA to calculate a polygenic risk score. In a study involving over 6,000 men aged 55 to 69, the saliva test identified aggressive cancers in 55.1% of positive cases, compared to 35.5% detected by the PSA test. This non-invasive method could lead to earlier detection and reduce unnecessary treatments, offering a more personalised approach to prostate cancer screening.
🤰 Pregnancy Diabetes Linked to Autism Risk
A comprehensive meta-analysis has reinforced the link between maternal diabetes during pregnancy and increased risks of neurodevelopmental disorders in children, including autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities. Drawing from 202 studies and over 56 million mother-child pairs, researchers found that children born to mothers with diabetes had a 28% higher likelihood of being diagnosed with such disorders. Specifically, these children faced a 25% greater risk for autism, 30% for ADHD, and up to 32% for intellectual disability. The risks were even more pronounced for mothers with pre-existing diabetes compared to those with gestational diabetes. Although the findings highlight a strong association, they do not confirm causation.
🤖 AI in Healthcare: Mind the Bias
Artificial intelligence is revolutionising medical care, but a recent study reveals that AI systems can inherit biases, potentially leading to disparities in patient treatment. Researchers emphasise the need for rigorous testing to ensure these tools promote equity in healthcare.
🌬️ A Glimmer of Hope for Long COVID Sufferers
Scientists may have found the first hint of a long COVID treatment—in mice. In a new study, an experimental antiviral compound prevented long-term brain and lung problems in mice infected with COVID. Researchers are excited this could lead to the first targeted therapy for the condition.
🏃 "Weekend Warriors" Reap Health Benefits Comparable to Daily Exercisers
New research indicates that individuals who engage in physical activity primarily on weekends—dubbed "weekend warriors"—experience health benefits similar to those who exercise daily. The study found that concentrating exercise into one or two sessions per week can effectively reduce the risk of heart disease and mortality. This finding offers encouragement to those with busy schedules, suggesting that even limited, consistent exercise can have significant health advantages.
🪑 'Friendship Benches' Bring Community-Based Mental Health Support to England
A pioneering mental health initiative from Zimbabwe is making its way to the UK. The Friendship Bench project, which employs trained lay counselors—affectionately known as "grandmothers" and "grandfathers"—to provide one-on-one therapy sessions, is set to launch a pilot program in Sussex next month. The sessions will be held indoors in community spaces such as libraries and church halls, adapting to the British climate. The initiative aims to offer accessible mental health support, particularly targeting migrant and minority ethnic communities.
Guest Article:
5 Evidence-Based Ways to Boost Fertility
Dr.Reem Al-Shaikh, Women’s Health GP
5 Evidence-Based Ways to Boost Fertility
When it comes to fertility, there’s a wealth of advice out there, but much of it can feel overwhelming or contradictory. Everyone you speak to has an opinion and not every opinion is evidenced based. Here are five practical, science-backed tips to support your journey to conception.
1. Nourish Your Body: Eat Enough, and Eat Well
Your body needs energy and nutrients to support regular ovulation, and under-eating or restrictive dieting can disrupt this balance. All too often I meet women who are severely underweight and wondering why they cannot get pregnant despite trying.
Low body weight or insufficient caloric intake can lead to irregular periods or even stop ovulation altogether (hypothalamic amenorrhoea). It’s important we nourish our bodies if our desire is to make a grow a baby.
Key nutrients to focus on include:
• Healthy fats: Essential for hormone production. Include avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil in your diet.
• Iron and zinc: Found in lean meats, legumes, and leafy greens, these minerals support healthy ovulation.
• Complex carbohydrates: Think whole grains and starchy vegetables. These help stabilise blood sugar, which can impact reproductive hormones.
A Mediterranean-style diet has been shown to improve fertility outcomes, so think colourful plates with lots of fruit, vegetables, and lean protein.
2. Regulate Your Cycle by Managing Stress
Stress can wreak havoc on your menstrual cycle, disrupting ovulation and hormone balance. Studies suggest that high levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can interfere with the release of luteinising hormone (LH), which is crucial for ovulation.
Try incorporating stress-reducing activities into your routine, such as:
• Mindfulness or meditation
• Yoga (a gentle, fertility-friendly option like restorative yoga)
• Journalling
Even a daily 10-minute walk in nature can lower cortisol levels and support cycle regularity.
3. Prioritise Quality Sleep
Sleep plays a crucial role in regulating the hormones involved in reproduction. Research indicates that women who consistently sleep fewer than seven hours per night may experience disruptions in ovulation.
Tips for better sleep:
• Set a consistent bedtime to support your natural circadian rhythm.
• Limit screen time before bed, as blue light can suppress melatonin production.
• Create a sleep-friendly environment: cool, dark, and quiet.
Melatonin is not just a sleep hormone; it also acts as an antioxidant for ovarian follicles, helping protect egg quality.
4. Track Your Ovulation
Understanding your cycle and pinpointing your fertile window can significantly boost your chances of conception. Evidence supports the use of ovulation predictor kits, basal body temperature tracking, or cervical mucus monitoring to identify ovulation.
The fertile window is typically 5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. Tracking methods can help you time intercourse for maximum success. If you’re unsure about your ovulation patterns, speak to your GP or consider using apps like Clue or Flo for cycle tracking. Also remember that sperm hangs about for 7 days so regular sexual intercourse is key to increasing your chances of conception!
5. Get Moving—But Not Too Much
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but when it comes to fertility, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is ensuring your body isn’t under undue stress from overtraining or insufficient recovery. If you’re used to exercising regularly and ovulating consistently, there’s no need to change your routine. However, if you’re pushing your body too hard without adequate rest or nutrition, this could disrupt your menstrual cycle and affect ovulation.
Bonus Tip: Seek Professional Guidance Early
In general, the UK NICE guidelines advise that if you’ve been trying to conceive for more than two years it’s time to seek medical advice. Your GP can arrange basic tests to check for ovulation, hormone levels, or other potential issues. Additionally, a referral to a fertility specialist can open doors to more personalised interventions
As a GP myself I want to reassure you that it’s never too early to start the conversation.
Dr Reem Al-Shaikh
The Health Review Podcast
Have You Checked Out The Podcast This Week?
🎧 Why You Should Care About Pelvic Floor Health With Jenny Fielding
In the latest episode of The Health Review podcast, I’m joined by Jenny Fielding, a Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and Pelvic Health Team Lead at Mint Wellbeing in London. With over 15 years of clinical experience, Jenny has dedicated the last decade to exclusively managing female health across all life stages.
Jenny is not only an expert, but also an advocate for women's health education - she has spoken at international events, schools, and corporations. As a mother of three who has personally navigated prolapse and postnatal anxiety, Jenny brings both professional expertise and personal insight into the physical and emotional aspects of pelvic health.
In this episode, Jenny explains:
-The anatomy and function of the pelvic floor, including common risk factors that can compromise its integrity.
-Why urinary urgency and leakage aren't issues you have to tolerate, and how proactive management can lead to significant improvements.
-The link between pelvic floor dysfunction and challenges such as erectile dysfunction, and recovery after childbirth.
-The importance of early and ongoing attention to pelvic health, emphasising that it's never too soon or too late to start.
If you love the episodes, please do subscribe and give the show a rating! 😊